‘There will be no countryside left’ – concerns over tree felling in Inverness
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GREEN MSP John Finnie has stepped into a row over a tree felling operation in Inverness saying he is “bitterly disappointed at the level of destruction that has been caused”.
A total of 167 trees, mostly health and mature and standing 25-35m high are in the process of being felled to widen roads round a new housing scheme at the former Craig Dunain Psychiatric Hospital and surrounding area.
Controversy has dogged the Robertson Homes development since the extent of the felling was brought to light by the Inverness Courier when local musician Roderick MacKenzie raised the alarm.
Many online commentators are furious and question the need for such a large scale operation, and asking “who was looking out for the wildlife?”.
“I’ve never tied myself to a tree before, this sounds like a good time,” said one Facebook user.
“This is appalling”, said someone else. “Soon there will be no countryside left”.
Highland Council confirmed the road improvements at Craig Dunain are required as a condition of planning consent. The trees were standing in the way.
But Mr Finnie is calling for changes to the council’s planning process “to ensure no repetition”.
“I am bitterly disappointed at the level of destruction that has been caused,” he said.
“I am in touch with Highland Council for an update and crucially to understand if there are sufficient Tree Preservation Orders in the Inverness area.
“Replanting is all very well but, no matter how comprehensive, you don’t readily replace trees of that age or stature.”
A spokesperson for Robertson Homes said: “We have employed specialist contractors and ecological advisers throughout and have carried out full investigations into the wildlife habitats across the area. Disruption is being kept to a minimum and restorative measures, including bat boxes, are already in place. Around 90% of the trees to be felled have been removed. Others await the end of the bird nesting season.
“Details of planned replanting are available on the Highland Council planning portal online and we would be happy to invite the Inverness Courier to see planting works taking place, following completion of the road improvements later this year. “
The Courier reported last week that the council’s forestry team ordered the developer to go back to the drawing board with plans for another housing scheme to redesign the layout to spare some of the trees.
The applicant requested permission to fell 64 trees.
Related article: Battle to save Inverness trees from mass felling
